The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night, but the evening was still a win in the grand scheme of things. The Lakers announced a promotion before tip-off that they would donate $1,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for each dunk they had on the night. Brandon Bass and other Lakers did their part in attempting to tear down rims for charity, and the team finished with nine slams to raise $9,000 for a worthy cause.
Additionally, in attendance was a boy from the Make-A-Wish Foundation named Spencer who has Down Syndrome and Leukemia. After the Lakers' game was over, Spencer was taken backstage to meet Kobe Bryant, who spent a few minutes interacting with Spencer and his family. No matter how bad the Lakers are on the court, taking the time to do stuff like this for fans is truly special, and a great moment for Kobe and the organization:
Kobe + Spencer, who has Downs Syndrome/leukemia, here w/@WishLosAngeles. Very special to Kobe to make a difference. pic.twitter.com/18EUfoUEbi
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) January 21, 2016
Spenser caps off Wish Night w/ @Lakers by meeting @kobebryant. Thanks @wishlosangeles for all you do! #NBACares pic.twitter.com/j0S1DXEP4e
— Lakers Community (@LakersCommunity) January 21, 2016
Young boy gets ball signed by Kobe, turns around to his family w/ the biggest smile, says "I'm going to protect this ball with all my heart"
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 21, 2016
Just another example of how something as trivial as sports can make a real difference in someone's life, and how great it is when basketball players do something bigger than the game.